VENTILATED RAINSCREEN
System principle
Today ventilated rainscreens are amongst the most successful facade systems. Current facade market studies show that architects mainly appreciate the design possibilities of ventilated rainscreens in addition to the functional safety.
The ventilated rainscreen system permits use of a variety of cladding materials. The facade design thus can be matched individually to the character of a building. Material combinations, too, can be easily implemented, by using different cladding materials.
Today ventilated rainscreens are amongst the most successful facade systems. Current facade market studies show that architects mainly appreciate the design possibilities of ventilated rainscreens in addition to the functional safety.
The ventilated rainscreen system permits use of a variety of cladding materials. The facade design thus can be matched individually to the character of a building. Material combinations, too, can be easily implemented, by using different cladding materials.
The facade cladding
A great variety of materials is available to cover a ventilated rainscreen. Durability, light-fastness and frost resistance of these materials are the basic requirements for the increasingly demanded longevity of the facade.
Proven materials are ceramics, fi ne stoneware, natural stone, HPL and fi bre-reinforced composite resin panels, fi bre cement panels and others. Moreover, the panel support systems can be used for individual applications with roughcast, glass, natural stone and ceramics.
A great variety of materials is available to cover a ventilated rainscreen. Durability, light-fastness and frost resistance of these materials are the basic requirements for the increasingly demanded longevity of the facade.
Proven materials are ceramics, fi ne stoneware, natural stone, HPL and fi bre-reinforced composite resin panels, fi bre cement panels and others. Moreover, the panel support systems can be used for individual applications with roughcast, glass, natural stone and ceramics.
The climate
The insulation components (thermal insulation, fi re protection) and the cladding (weather protection) are structurally separate in the ventilated rainscreen system. The ventilated space between the components controls the humidity within the building structure: any humidity is reliably removed via the ventilated space. Damp external walls dry out in a very short time. This also ensures an optimum internal climate inside the building.
The insulation components (thermal insulation, fi re protection) and the cladding (weather protection) are structurally separate in the ventilated rainscreen system. The ventilated space between the components controls the humidity within the building structure: any humidity is reliably removed via the ventilated space. Damp external walls dry out in a very short time. This also ensures an optimum internal climate inside the building.
The insulation
The two-layer system of the ventilated rainscreen systematically Separates the weather protection and insulation functions. Use of mineral insulation material of thermal conductivity groups 040 or 035 is common for ventilated rainscreens for every building height and utilisation. The requirements of the Energy Saving Regulations are thus easily met as the installation of any thickness of insulation required is possible with this system. A later increase in thickness is also possible under certain circumstances.
The two-layer system of the ventilated rainscreen systematically Separates the weather protection and insulation functions. Use of mineral insulation material of thermal conductivity groups 040 or 035 is common for ventilated rainscreens for every building height and utilisation. The requirements of the Energy Saving Regulations are thus easily met as the installation of any thickness of insulation required is possible with this system. A later increase in thickness is also possible under certain circumstances.
The support structure
The support structure is the static link between the structural external Wall and the facade cladding. Aluminium and wood or a combination of them are available as materials for the support structure. Aluminium has prevailed in the majority of cases. Aluminium support structures can be adjusted in three dimensions and lie against the building structure free from stress. Any unevenness and wall projections can be compensated to achieve a perfect horizontal and vertical alignment. Aluminium support structures can also be highly effectively integrated into the lightning protection system, even if the cladding is non-conductive.
The support structure is the static link between the structural external Wall and the facade cladding. Aluminium and wood or a combination of them are available as materials for the support structure. Aluminium has prevailed in the majority of cases. Aluminium support structures can be adjusted in three dimensions and lie against the building structure free from stress. Any unevenness and wall projections can be compensated to achieve a perfect horizontal and vertical alignment. Aluminium support structures can also be highly effectively integrated into the lightning protection system, even if the cladding is non-conductive.
The association
The German Association for Construction Materials and Components for Ventilated Rainscreens (FVHF) is a body representing the interests of the manufacturers of claddings, support structures, thermal insulation materials as well as anchoring, joining and fi xing elements for ventilated rainscreens (VHF) with registered offi ce in Berlin. The association has the objective of promoting the structurally and architecturally demanding implementation and design of facades for new build and renovation, taking account of all ecological aspects. One of the main tasks of the FVHF is to provide information on the benefi ts and characteristics of ventilated rainscreens to affect public opinion, planners, associations and decision-makers by means of a proactive information policy. The FVHF supports a uniform approval system for construction of ventilated rainscreens and the standardisation of this construction method and its components. To push the technical and economic progress of facade construction, the association supports applied research and draws up recommendations as well as standards. The FVHF also participates in the drawing up and introduction of national and international standards.
The German Association for Construction Materials and Components for Ventilated Rainscreens (FVHF) is a body representing the interests of the manufacturers of claddings, support structures, thermal insulation materials as well as anchoring, joining and fi xing elements for ventilated rainscreens (VHF) with registered offi ce in Berlin. The association has the objective of promoting the structurally and architecturally demanding implementation and design of facades for new build and renovation, taking account of all ecological aspects. One of the main tasks of the FVHF is to provide information on the benefi ts and characteristics of ventilated rainscreens to affect public opinion, planners, associations and decision-makers by means of a proactive information policy. The FVHF supports a uniform approval system for construction of ventilated rainscreens and the standardisation of this construction method and its components. To push the technical and economic progress of facade construction, the association supports applied research and draws up recommendations as well as standards. The FVHF also participates in the drawing up and introduction of national and international standards.
